Suspect dies after jumping off M4 bridge

One suspect died and three others were arrested following a high-speed car chase with police in Port Elizabeth on Friday morning.

Police spokeswoman Captain Sandra Janse van Rensburg  said police were following up on information in the Central area, when one of the members noticed a Toyota Corolla.

The vehicle had been reported stolen earlier this month.

“As the members attempted to stop the vehicle with blue lights the vehicle started speeding away. 

“During a high-speed chase the vehicle attempted on several occasions to force one of the flying squad vehicles off the road.

“Despite the road being  blocked, the vehicle still managed to speed down Russell Road and entered the freeway onto the face of  oncoming traffic,” she said.

The driver lost control of the vehicle and the vehicle collided with the barrier.

“When the vehicle came to a standstill, three males and one female jumped out of the car and started running across the busy road. 

“The driver of the vehicle attempted to evade arrest by jumping from the [M4] bridge which resulted in his death. 

“One suspect,  23, was chased and arrested and taken to Livingstone Hospital due to injuries sustained. Another male suspect, 31, and [the] female suspect, 22, were also arrested,” Janse Van Rensburg said.

The suspects were arrested on charges of possession of suspected stolen vehicle, reckless and negligent driving and attempted murder.

Janse van Rensburg said that an inquest was opened for the death of the one suspect. 

The suspects will appear in the Port Elizabeth Magistrate’s Court on Monday.